THE BEAR STEARNS COMPANIES INC. IncomeNotes(SM) With Maturities of Nine Months or More from Date of Issue Registration No. 333-109793 Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) Pricing Supplement No. 46 (To Prospectus dated November 17, 2003, and Prospectus Supplement dated November 17, 2003) Trade Date: November 1, 2004 Issue Date: November 4, 2004 The date of this Pricing Supplement is November 1, 2004 Fixed Rate Notes ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Interest Maturity Price to Discounts & Payment CUSIP# Interest Rate Date Public Commissions Reallowance Dealer Frequency ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 07387EGJ0 5.05% 11/15/2019 100.00% 2.00% 0.350% 98.40% Semi ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 07387EGK7 5.35% 11/15/2029 100.00% 2.50% 0.350% 98.00% Monthly ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subject to Redemption --------------------- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First Interest Aggregate First Interest Payment Survivor's Principal Payment Date Amount Option Yes/No Date and Terms of Redemption Amount Net Proceeds -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5/15/2005 $26.79 Yes Yes Commencing on 11/15/2007 and on the 15th $145,000 $142,100 of each month thereafter until Maturity, the Notes may be called in whole at par at the option of the Company on ten calendar days notice. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12/15/2004 $6.09 Yes Yes Commencing on 11/15/2009 and on the 15th $1,869,000 $1,822,275 of each month thereafter until Maturity, the Notes may be called in whole at par at the option of the Company on ten calendar days notice. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- *** The distribution of IncomeNotes will conform to the requirements set forth in Rule 2720 of the NASD Conduct Rules.